The next Center for International Experiential Learning (CIEL) Community Trip is headed to Germany and France from 12/7 to 12/17, 2024 and you are invited!

Hardly any other peacebuilding efforts in the last century have been as successful as the reconciliation between France and Germany. And during this renewed time of polarization and increasing conflict world-wide, we should visit and take a closer look about what we can learn from the Franco-German example and apply to our current challenges. 

FROM ENEMIES TO FRIENDS

Historically the hundreds of years of power struggle between France and Germany caused instability and war throughout what would become Europe. The hatred between the two countries left the broader region between them devastated. In 1871 Germany proclaimed the German Empire from the Palace of Versailles in the heart of France, a massive humiliation for the French. In retaliation the French sought revenge against the Germans with the Treaty of Versailles at the end of World War I, where they exacted harsh punishment and massive reparations payments from the Germans, which are often sighted one of the main grievances Hitler used to gain power and start World War II.

When the Allies won World War II, they believed that building a stable relationship between France and Germany was integral to guaranteeing peace and resisting Soviet influence. To ensure this one of the most sustained and thoughtful reconciliation efforts between two countries in history was born — The special friendship that emerged over the years between Germany and France became a key building block for the European Union and is seen as one of the reasons for the success and stability, growth and prosperity of the whole continent. It is an important example of how successful reconciliation and peace-building can be achieved both between people and between nations.

We will be studying this major shift from sworn enemies to a special friendship, which was not just a political move but supported by many efforts from the civil society including education and how history is celebrated and remembered in both countries, strategic cultural exchanges and partnerships.

We will visit historic WWII sites and study the various commemorations; learn about the role of the “last letters” written by resistance fighters in the collective memory; examine how memorialization and education efforts laid the foundation for Franco-German reconciliation. And hear from experts about how this special relationship shaped the European Union and is relevant to facing the current challenges of regional conflict, polarization, nationalism and immigration.

We are excited to be guided by academic experts who have access to local voices and will give us a deeper understanding of these relevant themes. There will also be free time to enjoy the food and culture and visit the famous French and German Christmas Markets and to explore Europe during this festive season.

Accommodation:

- Five nights in Paris at Hotel Les Jardins du Marais (Boutique hotel in a central location in the Marais district)

- One night in Strasbourg (centrally located close to the famous Christmas Markets)

- Four nights at Hotel Oderberger (Historic Bathhouse from 1898 that was converted into a Boutique Hotel in the center of Berlin)

Our trip will start in Paris, the capital of France, with excellent international flight connections. Beyond being a beautiful city, Paris offers many important museums and WWII monuments. We will stay for five nights at a boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. Professor Daniel Brunstetter (UC Irvine) will guide us as we learn about his breakthrough research into the “last letters” written by resistance fighters before their execution, hoping and fighting for a better future. 

We will explore relevant monuments and meet with political experts to understand the intentionality behind Franco-German reconciliation efforts and the role it plays in current EU and French politics. The city itself is a symbol of European integration and there will be free time with opportunities to engage in many cultural and culinary activities. 

We will take a day-trip to Normandy to visit the famous D-day landing beaches and learn how this history is being commemorated.

On the morning of December 12th, we will take the train and move to Strasbourg in the Alsace, near the German border. Its culture and architecture reflect the German and French influences left by years of shifting powers. Strasbourg is also the formal seat of the European Parliament and we will engage politicians and locals to understand how German-France reconciliation looks at this epicenter. There will also be plenty of time to explore the famous Christmas Markets and enjoy the seasonal festivities.

On Friday, December 13th we will take another scenic train ride though some of the most beautiful German countryside to Berlin. Berlin is a vibrant city and an example of European Integration, with large immigrant and refugee communities, and many international tourists. Here we will look at how Germans are dealing with WWII history including the reconciliation work between Germans and Jews. 

We will spend four nights in the city at an award-wining boutique hotel that was once a historical “city bath.” Guided by CIEL Executive Director, Daniel Wehrenfennig, we will visit the historical wall dividing East and West Germany and explore historic landmarks, where we will learn about Franco-German relations from a German perspective and discuss current politics, art and culture. During the festive Christmas time, the city is full of markets, lights and a very special aura that we will make sure we have time to experience.